Working on Wellness Environments
Working on Wellness Environments (WOW-E) is a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension multidisciplinary community development program

Register for Urban and Municipal Parks 2025 – 2026 Workshops

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Texas A&M AgriLife’s Urban and Municipal Parks (UMP) and Working on Wellness Environments (WOW-E) annual workshop registration is open! You asked so this year we’ll tour across Texas to provide education opportunities as well as time to ideate projects to be completed in your community. The workshops are open to practitioners, volunteers, park or trail board members, friends groups, and community leaders. Check out the WOW-E (Working on Wellness Environments) technical assistance program to see if you are in a community eligible for partial registration support.

Learn more and register

From Dream to Green: Best Practices in Modern Day Park Planning

8:30am – 12:30pm

Learn how to compile or update a Community Park System or Site Plan. We will review common components of plans, identify what is most meaningful for your organization, and provide time to brainstorm how to begin implementing a planning process for your park system or specific sites within your community.

Dates & Locations
  • December 9 – Denton, TX
  • January 6 – Rosenberg, TX
  • January 27 – Corpus Christi, TX
  • February 25 – Dallas, TX
  • March 3 – San Angelo, TX
  • March 17 – Nacogdoches, TX
  • March 24 – Canyon, TX
  • April 8 – El Paso, TX
  • April 28 – Wimberley, TX

Strengthening Your Prospects: Grant Writing 101 for Parks, Trails, and Open Spaces

1:30pm – 4:30pm

Attendees will learn basic grant writing concepts, including how to look for grants, best practices in writing grants, and key terms such as logic models, milestones, etc. We’ll practice writing common grant proposal sections and review best practices for support materials.

Dates & Locations
  • December 9 – Denton, TX
  • January 6 – Rosenberg, TX
  • January 27 – Corpus Christi, TX
  • February 25 – Dallas, TX
  • March 3 – San Angelo, TX
  • March 17 – Nacogdoches, TX
  • March 24 – Canyon, TX
  • April 8 – El Paso, TX
  • April 28 – Wimberley, TX

Enhancing Park Safety with CPTED Principles

8:30am – 12:30pm

Attendees will learn Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) basic principles, evaluate a site, review CPTED in park plans and policies, and devise feasible, local action steps.

Dates & Locations
  • December 10 – Denton, TX
  • January 7 – Rosenberg, TX
  • January 28 – Corpus Christi, TX
  • February 26 – Dallas, TX
  • March 4 – San Angelo, TX
  • March 18 – Nacogdoches, TX
  • March 25 – Canyon, TX
  • April 9 – El Paso, TX
  • April 29 – Wimberley, TX

Building from Ground up: Creating your Park Maintenance Plan

1:30pm – 4:30pm

This course is designed to motivate you to start or update a maintenance/operations plan. We’ll review the value of maintenance plans, discuss key components of plans, identify what is meaningful for your organization, provide time to assess and review various maintenance plans, and allow you time to brainstorm how to get started on a plan for your organization.

Dates & Locations
  • December 10 – Denton, TX
  • January 7 – Rosenberg, TX
  • January 28 – Corpus Christi, TX
  • February 26 – Dallas, TX
  • March 4 – San Angelo, TX
  • March 18 – Nacogdoches, TX
  • March 25 – Canyon, TX
  • April 9 – El Paso, TX
  • April 29 – Wimberley, TX
Full Urban and Municipal Parks 2025 – 2026 Workshop Schedule
  • December 9 – Denton, TX 8:30am – 12:30pm: From Dream to Green: Best Practices in Modern Day Park Planning
  • December 9 – Denton, TX 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Strengthening Your Prospects: Grant Writing 101 for Parks, Trails, and Open Spaces
  • December 10 – Denton, TX 8:30am – 12:30pm: Enhancing Park Safety with CPTED Principles
  • December 10 – Denton, TX 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Building from Ground up: Creating your Park Maintenance Plan
  • January 6 – Rosenberg, TX 8:30am – 12:30pm: From Dream to Green: Best Practices in Modern Day Park Planning
  • January 6 – Rosenberg, TX 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Strengthening Your Prospects: Grant Writing 101 for Parks, Trails, and Open Spaces
  • January 7 – Rosenberg, TX 8:30am – 12:30pm: Enhancing Park Safety with CPTED Principles
  • January 7 – Rosenberg, TX 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Building from Ground up: Creating your Park Maintenance Plan
  • January 27 – Corpus Christi, TX 8:30am – 12:30pm: From Dream to Green: Best Practices in Modern Day Park Planning
  • January 27 – Corpus Christi, TX 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Strengthening Your Prospects: Grant Writing 101 for Parks, Trails, and Open Spaces
  • January 28 – Corpus Christi, TX 8:30am – 12:30pm: Enhancing Park Safety with CPTED Principles
  • January 28 – Corpus Christi, TX 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Building from Ground up: Creating your Park Maintenance Plan
  • February 25 – Dallas, TX 8:30am -12:30pm: From Dream to Green: Best Practices in Modern Day Park Planning
  • February 25 – Dallas, TX 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Strengthening Your Prospects: Grant Writing 101 for Parks, Trails, and Open Spaces
  • February 26 – Dallas, TX 8:30am – 12:30pm: Enhancing Park Safety with CPTED Principles
  • February 26 – Dallas, TX 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Building from Ground up: Creating your Park Maintenance Plan
  • March 3 – San Angelo, TX 8:30am – 12:30pm: From Dream to Green: Best Practices in Modern Day Park Planning
  • March 3 – San Angelo, TX 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Strengthening Your Prospects: Grant Writing 101 for Parks, Trails, and Open Spaces
  • March 4 – San Angelo, TX 8:30am – 12:30pm: Enhancing Park Safety with CPTED Principles
  • March 4 – San Angelo, TX 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Building from Ground up: Creating your Park Maintenance Plan
  • March 17 – Nacogdoches, TX 8:30am – 12:30pm: From Dream to Green: Best Practices in Modern Day Park Planning
  • March 17 – Nacogdoches, TX 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Strengthening Your Prospects: Grant Writing 101 for Parks, Trails, and Open Spaces
  • March 18 – Nacogdoches, TX 8:30am – 12:30pm: Enhancing Park Safety with CPTED Principles
  • March 18 – Nacogdoches, TX 1:30pm – 4:30pm Building from Ground up: Creating your Park Maintenance Plan
  • March 24 – Canyon, TX 8:30am – 12:30pm: From Dream to Green: Best Practices in Modern Day Park Planning
  • March 24 – Canyon, TX 1:30pm – 4:30pm Strengthening Your Prospects: Grant Writing 101 for Parks, Trails, and Open Spaces
  • March 25 – Canyon, TX 8:30am – 12:30pm: Enhancing Park Safety with CPTED Principles
  • March 25 – Canyon, TX 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Building from Ground up: Creating your Park Maintenance Plan
  • April 8 – El Paso, TX 8:30am – 12:30pm: From Dream to Green: Best Practices in Modern Day Park Planning
  • April 8 – El Paso, TX 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Strengthening Your Prospects: Grant Writing 101 for Parks, Trails, and Open Spaces
  • April 9 – El Paso, TX 8:30am – 12:30pm: Enhancing Park Safety with CPTED Principles
  • April 9 – El Paso, TX 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Building from Ground up: Creating your Park Maintenance Plan
  • April 28 – Wimberley, TX 8:30am – 12:30pm: From Dream to Green: Best Practices in Modern Day Park Planning
  • April 28 – Wimberley, TX 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Strengthening Your Prospects: Grant Writing 101 for Parks, Trails, and Open Spaces
  • April 29 – Wimberley, TX 8:30am – 12:30pm: Enhancing Park Safety with CPTED Principles
  • April 29 – Wimberley, TX 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Building from Ground up: Creating your Park Maintenance Plan
Learn more and register

Four Keys to a Successful StoryWalk™

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By: Anna Stehling

A StoryWalk™ is a fun and creative way to combine literacy, physical activity, and family time by placing the pages of a children’s book along a walking route in your community. Whether you are trying to promote reading, encourage movement and physical activity, or activate public spaces, such as a park or downtown area, a well-executed StoryWalk™ can do all three. 

If you are considering bringing a StoryWalk™ to your community, there are a few essential pieces to think about that can help ensure your project is meaningful, engaging, and impactful. Here are four key ingredients for success: 

1. Partner with passionate community champions 
A strong StoryWalk™ program starts with strong partnerships. Reach out to local individuals and organizations who are excited about literacy, family time, and physical activity. You’ll want people who not only care deeply about the mission but are also involved in their community and ready to pitch in. Their insight and energy will be invaluable as you plan, promote, and maintain your StoryWalk™. 

2. Choose your location with purpose 
While all StoryWalks™ promote reading and movement, your choice in the installation location can help in various ways. For example, if you want to bring new life to an underutilized public space, your StoryWalk™ can act as a tool to encourage visitors. If your goal is solely to encourage visibility and awareness for the program, you might choose a highly trafficked space that already draws crowds. Let your goals guide your location—it makes a big difference. 

3. Use communication methods that work for your community 
Getting the word out is half the battle. The right communication method depends on your audience. In some communities, social media is a great tool to build buzz and spread the word. In other communities, some rural  for example, where internet access may be limited, simple tools like flyers at local grocery stores, churches, and schools can be more effective. The key is to test, learn, and adapt. Finding the right way to reach people often takes a few tries, but it is worth it.  

4. Involve your community at every step 
The more your community feels involved, the more successful (and supported) your StoryWalk™ will be. Collect feedback from users— this can be done using a variety of methods, such as evaluation forms, intercept surveys, or focus groups . You can also let community members get involved in decision-making, for example, letting them vote on future book selections or encourage volunteers to help with installation and upkeep. When people feel ownership, they’re more likely to engage, protect, and promote the program. 

At its core, a successful StoryWalk™ is about more than just books and signage — it’s about the experience being provided to people. Thoughtful planning, community input, and consistent communication all work together to create a program that will last. Keep these four keys in mind if you’re looking to create a StoryWalk™ program that best serves your community.

Want to improve your workplace food environment?  Try a healthy food policy! 

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By: Dr. Jenna Anding

Depending on your job, the workplace may be an oasis of unhealthy foods.  Whether it is the vending machine, potluck lunches, a celebration, or the random candy bowl sitting on someone’s desk, the workplace food environment can sometimes be a barrier for those who are trying to eat a little healthier.    

As the Working on Wellness Environment (WOW-E) program works to help communities improve access to healthy foods (and opportunities for physical activity), I’m going to challenge you in this blog to focus on one part of the community, the workplace, since many of us spend one-third of our day (or more) there and probably eat at least one meal (and maybe a snack or two) each day of the workweek. 

We recognize that not everyone is concerned about their food and beverage choices during the workday and that is okay.  However, a number of the chronic diseases that we face today are linked to our food choices.  For those employees who are trying to eat a little healthier, have you thought about implementing one or more food policies to ensure that healthy foods are available?  Don’t worry – we aren’t suggesting that you take away all of the unhealthy foods; instead, we are suggesting using policy to ensure that the food environment in your workplace has some healthy options available so individuals can meet their personal nutrition goals. 

Here are some examples of a healthy food policy for workplaces: 

  • For catered meals, adopt a policy that requires at least one healthy beverage option.  The easiest way to implement this is to offer water or unsweetened tea.  You can always offer sugar and non-nutritive sweeteners on the side and let employees choose. 
  • Consider adopting a policy that requires at least one or more healthy options in your vending machines.  Suggestions can include unsalted nuts, popcorn, and baked chips.  If you have an office refrigerator and provide complimentary snacks, think about low-fat yogurt or cheese sticks, or fresh fruit.  Apples and clementine oranges have a long shelf-life so you can minimize food waste.   
  • For office celebrations that involve food, whether it is catered to or potluck, create a food policy that guarantees that there will be at least one healthy option available.  This can be as easy as a fresh fruit salad, a healthy vegetable side dish, or even a tossed salad with dressing on the side.  Having some desserts?  No problem, just cut them in smaller portions. 

Offering options for healthy foods in the workplace shows that you support your coworkers and employees who are trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle.  If you aren’t convinced that a healthy food policy is worth trying, let me leave you with this to chew on:  a healthier workforce can lead to lower healthcare costs and increased productivity.  That is definitely something we can all support! 

Technician Spotlight: Farzana Ahmed

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By Leah Shafer 

When passion meets purpose, remarkable journeys unfold. For Farzana Ahmed, an urban planning technician, the path from architecture to community resilience has been both challenging and rewarding. As she prepares to begin her Ph.D. program  in spring 2025, her journey offers insights into the evolving landscape of urban planning and environmental management. 

Ahmed’s story begins in Bangladesh, where she completed her bachelor’s in architecture at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). While unexpected to some, the transition from architecture to urban planning represented a natural progression of her interest in how built environments shape communities. This led her to pursue an M.Sc. in Urban Planning at Texas A&M, which she completed in 2024. 

“Building relationships and understanding the broader impact of your work are essential in fields like planning and environmental management,” Ahmed said. “Technical skills are important, but engaging deeply with community stakeholders and focusing on projects that promote sustainable and equitable outcomes is crucial.” 

Since December 2022, Ahmed has been serving as a Program Aide with WOW-E at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services, contributing to various community health and wellness initiatives across South Texas.  

One standout project has been her work in Rio Grande City, where she spearheaded a walkability and wayfinding project. The success of this initiative wasn’t measured just in technical achievements but in how community feedback shaped the final design into something that truly served local needs. 

“I am particularly proud of the walkability and wayfinding project in Rio Grande City,” she said. “Leading efforts to design and plan active living infrastructure allowed me to incorporate community feedback into the design, resulting in outcomes that truly reflect local needs.” 

Alongside her WOW-E work, Ahmed has been actively involved with the Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center, working on U.S. Department of Energy-funded projects. These initiatives focus on addressing critical environmental challenges, particularly flood and air pollution impacts in Texas communities. A notable achievement has been her work on social vulnerability mapping using Participatory Geographic Information System (PGIS) in Southeast Texas. This project went beyond traditional mapping, empowering communities to identify and address their own vulnerabilities. 

Through these experiences, she’s developed crucial skills in spatial data analysis, participatory planning, and community engagement. Ahmed’s ability to bridge the gap between technical expertise and community needs earned her the Impact Award from Texas A&M’s LAUP department in 2024, recognizing her contributions to improving built environments and quality of life in Texas communities. 

“Working with WOW-E has taught me the importance of stakeholder engagement and collaborative planning,” Ahmed said. “This experience has enriched my ability to facilitate productive dialogues and implement community-driven solutions, especially when addressing complex issues like community wellness and urban park planning.” 

Her time with WOW-E has provided valuable insights into community wellness and urban park planning. Some of her most successful projects have emerged from facilitating productive dialogues and implementing truly community-driven solutions. 

As she prepares to begin her Ph.D., focusing on community-based development, environmental hazard management, and park & recreational space planning, Ahmed is building on a strong foundation of practical experience. Each project, community interaction, and challenge has reinforced her belief that creating resilient, sustainable communities requires both technical expertise and genuine community engagement. 

Her journey from architecture to urban planning, and now to environmental hazard management, might appear winding. However, it’s unified by a single thread: the commitment to creating better, more resilient communities for everyone. Ahmed’s story demonstrates that when academic expertise meets community engagement, the potential for positive change is limitless. 

Three Texas Parks & Wildlife Grant Applications Open

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Three Texas Parks & Wildlife Grant applications have just opened. The following information is from Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Recreation Grants E- Newsletter. To learn more or to sign up for the newsletter to get the information directly, click here.

“The Boating Access Grant Program provides funding for the phase I – Planning Grant – with a maximum of $250,000 for the cost associated with the planning of boating projects. All funding is based on the availability of funds at time of award. The reimbursement grants can be up to 75% of project cost. Eligible applicants include political subdivisions of the State of Texas legally responsible for providing public recreation services to their citizens. This includes cities, counties, river authorities, municipal utility districts, and other special districts.

Applications are submitted to TPWD as a phase I – Planning Grant and are to fund the professional services associated with the planning phase necessary to begin a construction project using federal funds. Eligible projects costs include plans/specifications, environmental/cultural permits, COE permits, and other professional fees associated with the planning of the proposed eligible construction project. Applicants who successfully complete the planning grant will be given priority for a future Construction Grant dependent on available funding.

All planning costs must be based on boating facility elements eligible for grant funding which may include motorized and non-motorized ramps and launches, courtesy docks, restrooms, parking areas, sidewalks directly from a parking area to a launch or dock, access roads, breakwaters, shoreline stabilization, fish cleaning stations, pavilions, and picnic sites. TPWD administers the Boating Access Program that is funded in Texas under the approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). This federally funded program receives its funding from a portion of the federal gasoline taxes generated when recreational boaters purchase gas for boats.

Application opened on November 1, 2024 with a deadline of February 3, 2025 at 5:00pm CST. Additional information can be found here.”

“The Target Range Program provides funding for the phase I – Planning Grant – with a maximum of $250,000 for the cost associated with the planning of the target range projects The reimbursable grants can be up to 90% of eligible project cost.

Applications are submitted to TPWD as a phase I – Planning Grant and are to fund the professional services associated with the planning phase necessary to begin a construction project using federal funds. Eligible projects costs include plans/specifications, environmental/cultural permits, and other professional fees associated with the planning of the proposed eligible construction project. Applicants who successfully complete the planning grant will be given priority for a future Construction Grant dependent on available funding.

All planning costs must be based on target range elements eligible for grant funding which may include indoor/outdoor public target and/or archery ranges, fencing, gates, equipment, restrooms, parking areas, and ADA accessibility features. TPWD administers the Target Range Program that is funded in Texas under the approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). This federally funded program receives its funding from a portion of the excise taxes generated with the purchase of specific hunting and shooting equipment.

Applications opened on November 1, 2024 with a deadline of February 3, 2025 at 5:00pm CST. Additional information can be found here.”

“The Recreational Trails Program provides funding for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail projects. The reimbursable grants can be up to 80% of project cost with a maximum award of $300,000 for non-motorized trail grants and a maximum award of $500,000 for motorized (off-highway vehicle) trail grants. Eligible projects include the construction of new recreational trails, improvement of existing trails, development of trailheads or trailside facilities, and to acquire trail corridors. TPWD administers the National Recreational Trails Fund in Texas. Texas receives federal funds for this program from the Federal Highway Administration from a portion of federal gas taxes paid on fuel used in non-highway recreational vehicles. Additional funds for this grant program are made available from the Texas Sporting Goods Sales Tax.

Applications opened on November 1, 2024 with a deadline of February 3, 2025 at 5:00pm CST. Be sure to check the Recreation Grants Online Resources page for the latest Recreational Trails Program Application Instructions, Program Guidance, and other resources. A new application element this year is a requirement for an Authorizing Resolution from the applicant’s governing body.“